Ashford Castle Spa, Cong, Ireland

Booking date: May 2025

Location: The Spa at Ashford Castle, converted greenhouse

Website: https://ashfordcastle.com/wellness-and-spa

How to get there: The castle is near Cong, in county Mayo Ireland.  We had a rental car we drove there from Donegal. It is about an hour’s drive from Galway. There are miles of land surrounding the castle and a lake. We entered at the main gate and had to give name and booking reservation info to get on to the property then parked at the Lodge where we were staying. It is about a 10 min walk or quick shuttle ride to the castle from there.

Booking process: The castle is reserved for guests only.  We stayed at the Lodge and booked through the concierge. We walked, but also could have taken a shuttle to the bridge at the castle and tell the security your name and booking time. Once they let us through we walked to the castle and the doorman showed us to the spa. 

Reason for going: We had moved around a lot since Belfast, staying only one or two nights at each hotel.  I found driving in Ireland a bit stressful and since we stayed at the Lodge for three nights I thought this would be a good time to release some of my shoulder and other stress I was carrying around. 

Session booked: 60 min signature treatment. This was half a massage and other half was a mini facial. They start out with a dry brushing to prime your skin and help lymphatic system drain. A back, shoulder, and foot massage with oil were next, followed by a double face wash, products, and short face and scalp massage. 

Communication prior to booking: I confirmed the bookings when we checked in at the Lodge a day prior.  I received and email about a month before the visit saying that the large pool would be closed for renovations.  A few days out I received an email from the spa confirming our sessions. 

Reception/ checking in: We were in a bit of a rush and only were able to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of our treatments.  There were some bumps in the road here.  I had asked the reception at the Lodge to ask if we could have our soak time after our sessions since our lunch and previously scheduled activities ran late. The Lodge never got back to me so I called the Spa myself to confirm. Since they space out each group/guest I was told they would see what they could do and get back to me.  After our treatments we were informed we could use the pool/ lounge area but we declined since we didn’t feel like it after the treatments and products on our face. 

The receptionist was lovely, very professional, and polished. We were shown the changing room/ locker rooms and shown where to go when we were ready. 

Wait time: We only waited in the small pool/ lounge area for a couple minutes.

Atmosphere: It was very quiet and we were the only ones in each area so it felt like we had the place to ourselves.  I found it very peaceful and reminded me of Hearst Castle in California.  

Facilities: The facilities were stunning.  It has been the prettiest spa I have been to thus far. It is a two story area in a converted greenhouse, atrium in the castle. The newest addition. It has a slight Moroccan vibe and aesthetic. The treatment room was very large with big windows and tall ceilings with an extra table for a couples massage. The location of the spa and views of the lake and trees are beautiful and tranquil.

Intake process: There was a two page intake form to fill out upon our arrival.  Once I was passed to my therapist she went over everything thoroughly.  It was the most in depth intake process I have been through prior to a massage.  Because the facial aspect is included there were a lot of questions about the products I use, history, and skin routine to be answered. I was given three choices of essential oil infused body oils to small and to feel prior to the therapist using the one of my choice for the session. 

Therapist: I felt comfortable and really liked my therapist. She was extremely professional and went over specifics before the session in detail.  Originally from France, worked in Canada, and now at the Castle she came across like a seasoned therapist. She worked barefoot to ground and had a calming presence. She had a very relaxing voice and had good direction in the beginning to take deep breaths to relax. 

Session:  I enjoyed the foot, face, and scalp work the most.  The back and shoulder work felt like a generalized routine and was faster, repetitive movements I don’t find relaxing. 

The facial portion was okay.  I have extra sensitive skin though and 5 minutes after one of the products didn’t agree with me and my skin started burning.  I mentioned it to the front desk and she was very sweet to give me a face wash and lotion for sensitive skin to remedy the issue. 

Checking out: I opted to pay after the sessions rather than add it to the room charges.  It is not customary to tip in Ireland unless you had exceptional service.  I opted to not add a tip. 

Cost:  $222  (depends on current conversion rate)  was 195 Euros

What was done well: Each guest/ group’s time in the spa is spaced out well. We felt like we were the only ones there. All the staff was well trained and very polished/ professional.

Needs improvement: It is still odd to me to have only towels on the table.  I am glad I am on the smaller stature side and not at risk of being exposed.  I was trained with a bottom and top sheet, finding that the best practice is to have clients more fully covered.  The timing of arrival and the way the spa is set up could have been explained when I booked the sessions as well as when they were confirmed.  The Lodge and the Spa communication could also be improved. The reception at the Lodge is set up to be the go- between but I found it better and easier with this to call the spa directly to get my questions answered. Knowing the other reservations we had I wish we would have been guided to allow for more time at the spa and arrive an hour prior to our bookings to fully enjoy the facilities. 

Would I rebook or go back: While I enjoyed the massage, I could have done without the mini facial.  I might book another, longer service, one that hopefully would be more customized.  I would also like to have the full time allotted to do everything in the right order  and not be so rushed. 

Rating: 88/100